Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 02/99) - Fort Simpson RCMP, working in conjunction with Yellowknife's G division, have arrested a former Wrigley man in connection with a 28-year-old homicide.

Angus John Ekanle, 54, was arrested Monday in High Level, Alta., on one count of manslaughter and three counts of sexual assault.

When the body of Elizabeth Rose Yendo was found on the bank of the Mackenzie River in July of 1971, her death was presumed accidental.

The decades-old case was reopened when new evidence came to light two years ago, said Cpl. Rick Potvin of Yellowknife RCMP G Division.

"It was a result of receiving new information, back in 1997," Potvin said. "It was through evidence that had already been gathered and new witnesses had come forward."

Although the new information had come to light two years ago, Potvin could not say why the arrest was not made until Monday.

"I'm not so sure why it took so long," he said. "Some communities, especially here in the North, people tend to keep things pretty quiet."

The suspect appeared in Yellowknife court Wednesday morning and was remanded in custody until Monday, July 5.

Ekanle also faces three counts of sexual assault, obstruction of justice, failure to attend court and breach of undertaking.